Habakkuk 2:17

Authorized King James Version

For the violence of Lebanon shall cover thee, and the spoil of beasts, which made them afraid, because of men's blood, and for the violence of the land, of the city, and of all that dwell therein.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

וַחֲמַס

H2555

For the violence

violence; by implication, wrong; by metonymy unjust gain

לְבָנוֹן֙

H3844

of Lebanon

lebanon, a mountain range in palestine

יְכַסֶּ֔ךָּ

H3680

shall cover

properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)

וְשֹׁ֥ד

H7701

thee and the spoil

violence, ravage

בְּהֵמ֖וֹת

H929

of beasts

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

יְחִיתַ֑ן

H2865

which made them afraid

properly, to prostrate; hence, to break down, either (literally) by violence, or (figuratively) by confusion and fear

מִדְּמֵ֤י

H1818

blood

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

אָדָם֙

H120

because of men's

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

#10

וַחֲמַס

H2555

For the violence

violence; by implication, wrong; by metonymy unjust gain

#11

אֶ֔רֶץ

H776

of the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#12

קִרְיָ֖ה

H7151

of the city

a city

#13

וְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#14

יֹ֥שְׁבֵי

H3427

and of all that dwell

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

#15

בָֽהּ׃

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Habakkuk. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?